A certain special friend of mine loves bar-b-que's. He loves them so much we have a running joke that despite his various academic degrees and accolades, all that really goes on inside his head is the word "BBQ" over and over again, at least for the summer months (maybe in winter the word changes to "turkey" or "eggnog").
As you can imagine, we derive many jokes and laughter at this friend's expense, but all joking aside, who doesn't love a BBQ? Summer has always been my favorite season and a big reason for that is the fact that during the warm summer months, more than any other time of year, we treat ordinary days like holidays, which means lots and lots of BBQ's. Yes there are some actual holidays, like the 4th of July, but even after, all we really need is a day (or afternoon) off from work, sunshine, a few friends, and simple, yet delicious food to throw on the grill.
Many people associate nostalgia with summertime, and for good reason; most of us spend more time using our senses for pleasurable experience in the summer than in any other season. Think about it, we are outside (which is already a sensory plethora) with the sounds of birds singing, ocean waves crashing and if we're lucky, music and laughter. Now add the scents and tastes of flame grilled corn, melted butter, and a juicy steak smoking over a fire. Who wouldn't be nostalgic?
Cooking over a flame is the essence of cooking. Using fire to create food is how the human species survived and evolved over thousands of years. There is no experience that makes us feel more human, more connected, than the act of cooking with fire, outside, with others. And what else is a BBQ but this act? No wonder my friend can't stop thinking of them.
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| Last week in the Poconos... I'm really enjoying my Smores!! |
Two thirds of summer is already gone, and with it the opportunity to slow down, unwind, and spend much needed time with our friends and family. But there is still some time left and however busy you are, it would be nothing short of tragic to let it slip by un-celebrated or un-enjoyed.
I haven't been writing much (as you can probably tell from the lack of blog posts), but that's because I've been out enjoying life, which I hope is the case for you too. As much as I love writing, I love living more. And so far, I've had a pretty amazing summer! Take a look...
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| Me, enjoying a lovely afternoon on the beach, back in June |
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| At the Biergarten on the NYC High Line |
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| Surprise! Happy 78 Grandma!! |
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| Does this shot really need a caption?! |
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| Good times with friends "glamping" in the Poconos :) |
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| Finally! ...Meeting my sister for the first time (it only took 13 years!) |
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Happy 13 Years to this couple!
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... I guess 13 is my lucky number ;)
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As you can imagine, we derive many jokes and laughter at this friend's expense, but all joking aside, who doesn't love a BBQ? Summer has always been my favorite season and a big reason for that is the fact that during the warm summer months, more than any other time of year, we treat ordinary days like holidays, which means lots and lots of BBQ's. Yes there are some actual holidays, like the 4th of July, but even after, all we really need is a day (or afternoon) off from work, sunshine, a few friends, and simple, yet delicious food to throw on the grill.
